The UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released by the Union Public Service Commission for 349 Assistant Commandant (AC) posts in various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). This prestigious recruitment offers a remarkable opportunity for both male and female candidates to serve the nation in leadership roles across India.
The online application process will begin on 20 February 2026 and continue until 12 March 2026. Eligible candidates must apply through the official website upsc.gov.in within the prescribed timeline. The written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 19 July 2026.
Below, we provide a comprehensive and detailed breakdown of the UPSC CAPF Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2026, covering eligibility, vacancy distribution, application process, selection procedure, exam pattern, and physical standards.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) |
| Post Name | Assistant Commandant (AC) |
| Advertisement No. | 08/2026-CAPF |
| Total Vacancies | 349 Posts |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 12 March 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 July 2026 |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
UPSC CAPF AC Vacancy Details 2026 (Force-wise Distribution)
The 349 Assistant Commandant vacancies are distributed among five prestigious Central Armed Police Forces:
| Force | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Border Security Force (BSF) | 108 |
| Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) | 106 |
| Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) | 12 |
| Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) | 53 |
| Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) | 70 |
| Total | 349 Posts |
Each force plays a vital role in safeguarding national security, and Assistant Commandants serve as frontline officers leading operations, managing personnel, and ensuring operational efficiency.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 12 March 2026 |
| Written Examination | 19 July 2026 |
Applicants must complete their online application before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
UPSC CAPF AC Application Fee 2026
The application fee structure is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹200 |
| SC / ST / Women | Exempted |
| Payment Mode | Online |
Payment can be made through:
- Net Banking
- UPI
- Credit Card
- Debit Card
Female candidates and candidates belonging to SC/ST categories are exempted from paying the application fee.
UPSC CAPF AC Age Limit 2026
Candidates must fulfill the prescribed age criteria:
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 25 Years
Age will be calculated as on 1 August 2026.
Candidates must have been born:
- Not earlier than 2 August 2001
- Not later than 1 August 2006
Age relaxation is applicable to reserved categories as per government norms.
UPSC CAPF AC Educational Qualification 2026
To apply for UPSC Assistant Commandant Recruitment 2026, candidates must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university.
- Final year students or those awaiting results may also apply.
- However, they must complete graduation before the Physical Test stage.
This ensures that only qualified graduates proceed to advanced selection stages.
UPSC CAPF AC Selection Process 2026
The selection process is multi-stage and highly competitive. It includes:
- Written Examination (450 Marks)
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
- Interview / Personality Test (150 Marks)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Only candidates qualifying each stage will move forward to the next.
UPSC CAPF AC Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination will be conducted on 19 July 2026 and will consist of two papers totaling 450 marks.
Paper I: General Ability & Intelligence
- Marks: 250
- Type: Objective
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Timing: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Negative Marking: 1/3rd deduction per wrong answer
This paper assesses logical reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general science, history, geography, polity, and current affairs.
Paper II: General Studies, Essay & Comprehension
- Marks: 200
- Type: Descriptive
- Duration: 3 Hours
- Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
This paper evaluates essay writing, comprehension skills, and analytical ability.
Candidates qualifying the written test will be called for the Physical Efficiency Test (PET).
UPSC CAPF AC Physical Standards & PET Requirements
Physical Efficiency Test (PET)
For Male Candidates
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 100 Meter Race | 16 Seconds |
| 800 Meter Race | 3 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.5 Meters (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put (7.26 kg) | 4.5 Meters (3 Chances) |
For Female Candidates
| Test | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 100 Meter Race | 18 Seconds |
| 800 Meter Race | 4 Minutes 45 Seconds |
| Long Jump | 3.0 Meters (3 Chances) |
| Shot Put | Not Applicable |
Height Requirements
Male Candidates
- General: 165 cm
- SC/ST: 162.5 cm
- Hilly Areas: 160 cm
Female Candidates
- General: 157 cm
- SC/ST: 154 cm
- Hilly Areas: 152 cm
Chest Measurement (For Male Candidates Only)
- Minimum: 81 cm
- Expansion: 5 cm
Meeting these physical standards is mandatory for final selection.
UPSC CAPF AC Interview 2026
Candidates clearing PET will appear for the Personality Test / Interview of 150 marks. During this stage:
- Leadership qualities are assessed.
- Decision-making skills are evaluated.
- Awareness of national security issues is tested.
- NCC certificate holders may receive preference.
How to Apply for UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official website of UPSC.
- Read the complete official notification.
- Complete One Time Registration (OTR).
- Click on Apply Online.
- Fill in accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload scanned documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Choose examination center.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a printout for future reference.
Ensure that all details entered are accurate to avoid rejection.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Salary & Career Growth
Selected Assistant Commandants receive an attractive salary package under the 7th Pay Commission. Along with basic pay, officers are entitled to:
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Risk Allowance
- Pension Benefits
Career progression opportunities include promotions to:
- Deputy Commandant
- Second-in-Command
- Commandant
- Inspector General
This career path offers prestige, stability, and national service.
UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 12 March 2026 |
| Apply Online | Available on upsc.gov.in |
| Official Notification | Download from official website |
| Official Website | upsc.gov.in |
The UPSC CAPF AC Recruitment 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for graduates aspiring to become officers in India’s elite paramilitary forces. With 349 Assistant Commandant vacancies, a structured selection process, and a prestigious career path, this recruitment drive stands as one of the most competitive examinations conducted by UPSC.
Candidates must prepare strategically for the written examination, maintain physical fitness standards, and remain updated with official notifications to secure their place in the final merit list.
